Ministries from Saudi Arabia and Egypt have opened a joint coordination committee in Jeddah to prepare a continuous awareness campaign for Egyptian pilgrims undertaking Umrah and Hajj. The initiative aims to improve the quality of services, enhance safety measures and ensure a more organised, reassuring pilgrimage experience from pre-departure through return.
The meeting brought together senior officials from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. On the Egyptian side, Samia Sami, Assistant Minister for Tourism Companies Affairs, met Dr Hassan Al-Munakhera, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Egyptian and Saudi representatives discussed the broad lines of a joint public information programme tailored to Egyptian Umrah and Hajj tourists.
Saudi-Egypt pilgrim awareness campaign to begin before travel
Participants agreed the Saudi-Egypt pilgrim awareness campaign should start well before pilgrims travel to the holy sites. The campaign will convert regulatory guidance from both ministries into clear, accessible messages for all age groups and backgrounds. Messages will cover key administrative requirements, health and safety protocols, and practical advice to help pilgrims move smoothly through airports, transit points and the holy precincts.
Both sides stressed the need to use the most effective channels to reach prospective pilgrims, including official digital platforms, social media, and traditional media outlets. The campaign will include short instructional materials, checklists and reminders aimed at reducing confusion and supporting a calm, spiritual journey.
Officials also discussed operational best practice inside the Two Holy Mosques and during airport movements. Focus areas include crowd management during peak movements, coordination between tour operators and Saudi authorities, and reinforcement of preventative safety measures to protect health and comfort. The aim is to streamline flows, reduce delays and help Egyptian pilgrims observe religious rites with confidence.
The Saudi delegation praised the high level of compliance demonstrated by Egyptian tour operators with Saudi regulations and instructions. Saudi officials said this disciplined cooperation contributes positively to the overall management and service standards for pilgrims, and helps maintain high levels of hospitality for visitors to the holy sites.
To ensure rapid response to emerging issues, both ministries agreed to keep a round-the-clock coordination channel active throughout the season. Direct lines of communication will allow quick sharing of operational updates and timely action on any field feedback, enabling authorities and tour companies to address problems as they arise and maintain service continuity.
Egypt’s delegation included Mohamed Reda, Director General of the Religious Tourism Department at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, along with technical advisers to the assistant minister. Saudi participants included Anas Al-Hamid, Assistant Undersecretary for Communication, and Youssef Al-Harthi, Deputy Director General for Hajj Affairs, with other senior ministry staff present.
Officials said the coordinated campaign seeks to deliver a more organised and secure pilgrimage experience for Egyptian visitors, raising awareness of procedures and encouraging adherence to guidance that protects pilgrims’ wellbeing. The joint initiative reflects deepening cooperation between the two countries to manage pilgrimage travel effectively and to safeguard a spiritually meaningful journey for guests of the Two Holy Mosques.
Key Takeaways:
- Saudi and Egyptian ministries have opened joint coordination meetings in Jeddah to prepare a continuous awareness campaign for Egyptian Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
- The Saudi-Egypt pilgrim awareness campaign will provide pre-travel guidance, safety protocols and best-practice advice across digital and traditional media.
- Officials agreed a 24/7 coordination mechanism during the season to ensure swift information exchange and rapid response to field issues.
